Last year, Red Cross volunteers installed 7,850 free smoke alarms in households across the state. This year, volunteers are needed to install 1,400 smoke alarms during the month of March as part of the national Red Cross initiative to install 50,000 free smoke alarms with community and fire department partners in at-risk communities across the country.

“Sound the Alarm is a rewarding campaign that allows our volunteers to not only install smoke alarms but also provide home fire education,” said Mark Thomas, interim Chief Executive Officer, American Red Cross of Illinois. “In just one day, you could help save a neighbor’s life by installing smoke alarms — which can cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half.”

To view the list of Sound the Alarm events and to register to volunteer, visit SoundTheAlarm.org. No prior experience needed — training will be provided.

Because of generous donations, all services are free and available for people in need. Residents who need assistance can visit SoundTheAlarm.org to schedule an appointment for a free smoke alarm installation during this Red Cross Sound the Alarm event. During the 20-minute home visits, Red Cross volunteers will also share information on the causes of home fires, how to prevent them, what to do if a fire starts and how to create an escape plan.

This work is made possible thanks to generous financial donations from corporate partners State Farm, Motorola Solutions Foundation, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Peoples Gas Community Fund, Hub Group, CITGO Lemont Refinery, MidAmerican Energy, and Harrah’s Joliet Casino & Hotel.

HOME FIRE RESPONSE During this past week, the Red Cross provided assistance to 10 people in Olney, Winchester and Zeigler by supplying them with basic items to meet immediate needs after a fire, and additional support in the form of health and mental health services and one-on-one support as the families involved work through next steps after experiencing a home fire.

If you or someone you know needs assistance after a home fire or local disaster, please call 1-800-Red Cross.

Home fires are our country’s most frequent disaster and claim seven lives every day in the U.S. To help protect your household, test your smoke alarms each month and practice your escape plan until everyone can get out in less than two minutes. Visit redcross.org/fire for more information. Download our free Emergency app by searching for “American Red Cross” in app stores. Free resources are available to help children learn what to do during a home fire and other emergencies.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.